Nurses in Nigeria’s public hospitals have suspended their seven-day “warning strike” following a breakthrough agreement with the government, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives announced.
In a statement, the union confirmed that authorities had responded to their key demands and outlined “clear timelines” for their implementation. However, the union emphasized it would closely monitor the progress of the agreement under the signed memorandum of understanding.
The strike, which began on July 30, was launched over demands for higher wages, improved working conditions, and increased recruitment in the public healthcare sector. The nurses had warned of escalating the strike into an indefinite one if the government failed to act within the seven-day window.
A pivotal meeting took place on Friday between union representatives and a government delegation led by Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, along with Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Dingyadi. After the talks, Pate announced the strike’s suspension and assured the nurses that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
The agreement also included a resolution that no nurse who participated in the strike would face disciplinary action, a key assurance that helped bring the industrial action to an end.
